How to stay motivated to complete a 30-day Bikram yoga challenge

I finished! (That’s me pointing to my name and 30 stickers on the challenge board.) How did I stay motivated even when I wanted to quit some days? There are no secrets. The following worked for me.

1. Let as many people know your intention to complete the challenge.
   The more people who know, the more people will be asking you every day, “So, how many days are left?” You don’t want to answer, “Oh, I quit.” Do you?
2. Get a challenge buddy (or 2 or 3).
   This can be done directly or indirectly. If you are new or simply don’t have friends at the studio, pick someone’s name off the board and follow/stalk his/her progress. It’s definitely psychological but effective.
3. Don’t neglect your family.
   If you are married, in a partnership, or have children, they’re probably your biggest supporters. So, even when you are feeling tired or overwhelmed by the yoga, do things with and for your family. They’ll be more inclined to maintain their support throughout the 30 days. And remember to say, “Thank you, Baby, for respecting how much this means to me.”
4. Keep talking about how the challenge is making you feel.
   Even if you feel like crap some days, share it. You would be surprised by how many people will tell you, “Well, just don’t stop. You’re so close.”
5. Be lazy, eat right, drink lots of water, and sleep when you can.
   Do I need to explain this one? 🙂
6. Encourage other yogis in the challenge.
   Through encouraging others, you encourage yourself and the entire room.
7. Keep smiling.

Namaste!